How Much Does Probate Cost in Nova Scotia?

Probate is the court process that confirms your will and your executor's authority. In Nova Scotia the application is filed with the Probate Court, and the fee is tiered fees — roughly $1,002.65 on the first $100,000 plus about $16.95 for every additional $1,000 (an effective rate of about 1.7% above the threshold).

How the fee is calculated

The fee is based on the gross value of the estate that passes through the will — not the net value after debts, and not assets that pass outside the will (more on those below).

What's exempt from probate fees

Assets that pass outside the estate don't count toward the probate fee:

• Registered accounts (RRSPs, RRIFs, TFSAs) with a named beneficiary.
• Life insurance with a named beneficiary.
• Jointly owned property with right of survivorship.
• Pension and group benefit plans with designations.

This is why estate planners think hard about ownership and designations: they can dramatically lower the probate-fee base.

What probate also costs (beyond the court fee)

• Legal fees for preparing the application — often $1,500 to $5,000 for a routine estate.
• Accounting fees for terminal tax returns.
• Executor compensation, if claimed (commonly around 3–5% of the estate).
• Bonding in some intestate or non-resident-executor cases.

How long probate takes in Nova Scotia

Routine grants typically issue in a few weeks to a few months, depending on court workload and whether the application is complete on filing. Contested estates can take far longer.

Frequently asked questions

How much is probate in Nova Scotia? Tiered fees — roughly $1,002.65 on the first $100,000 plus about $16.95 for every additional $1,000 (an effective rate of about 1.7% above the threshold). Are probate fees based on net or gross estate value? Generally the gross value of assets passing under the will. What assets avoid probate in Nova Scotia? Assets with named beneficiaries (RRSPs, TFSAs, life insurance) and jointly owned property pass outside the estate. How long does probate take in Nova Scotia? A few weeks to several months for a clean application.

Not legal advice. General information about Nova Scotia law as of 2026. Confirm specifics with a Nova Scotia estate lawyer.